Caring for Someone With Dementia: What Caregivers Are Really Carrying — with Dr. Adriana Shnall

Caring for someone living with dementia changes everything. In this episode of The Hart of It All, host Teri Hart sits down with Dr. Adriana Shnall, program director at the Baycrest Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving, to explore what caregivers are really carrying.

Dr. Shnall shares why dementia caregiving is uniquely complex, touching on ambiguous loss, personality changes, repetition, and the grief that unfolds over time. Together, they discuss why language matters, how behaviour always has meaning, and the importance of offering caregivers empathy, validation, and grace.

This conversation blends expert insight with deep compassion, offering practical guidance alongside reassurance for caregivers navigating an incredibly challenging journey. __

This episode of The Hart of It All is brought to you by Capital Direct. The Capital Direct Flexi Line™ turns your home equity into flexible support, so you can arrange the care your family deserves now and pay it back when the time is right.

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Resources:

Baycrest Family Caregiving Innovations: https://www.baycrest.org/family-caregiving-innovations/

Canadian Caregiver Assessment & Resources Tool (C-CART): https://www.baycrest.org/ccart/

Follow Dr. Adriana Shnall: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adriana-shnall-phd-msw-rsw-88b8a4150/

Follow Baycrest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baycrest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baycrestcentre Website: https://www.baycrest.org/

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Co-Executive Produced by: Carrie Hayden & Jess Carroll of 6of1 Digital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6of1digital

I’m here to share stories and conversations, not medical or professional advice. I’m not a doctor, therapist, or licensed professional, and this podcast is NOT a substitute for guidance from qualified experts. Please seek out professional support when you need it. Take care and I’ll see you in the next episode.

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🟡 About The Hart of it All

A podcast about navigating the realities of caregiving.

No one should have to do it alone. That’s the heart behind The Hart of It All, hosted by Canadian broadcaster Teri Hart. Inspired by her own experience caring for her dad and helping her mom navigate a new reality, Teri shines a light on the stories, resources, and conversations caregivers need most.

From doctors and nutritionists to fellow caregivers living it every day, each episode offers guidance and connection. Honest, supportive, and grounded in lived experience, The Hart of It All is here to remind us that caring for each other is something we’re all in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.